This program trains people with advanced bilingual skills to facilitate communication between speakers of different languages.

Globalisation and migration have resulted in increased contact between people from different language backgrounds, so the role of interpreters is now more important than ever.

Throughout your studies you’ll gain advanced oral transfer skills for interpreting in specialised settings, learn how to use communication media in interpreting, and study and apply ethical principles in a range of professional contexts.

RMIT is the leader in delivering interpreting programs that prepare work-ready graduates.

If a language you wish to study is not on the list, please contact info corner to enquire.

You need to have advanced bilingual skills in the language you select and may be required to demonstrate your knowledge prior to entry into the program.

Please make sure that you indicate the language stream you want to study in your personal statement in your application.

Alternative options

If the language you wish to study doesn't meet minimum student numbers, you will be considered for the S0133 Introduction to Interpreting and Translating Skill Set.

International students, please note, the Skill Set does not provide access to an Australian student visa.

The Skill Set comprises four courses from the Diploma of Interpreting, which will introduce you to interpreting and ethics. You will be entitled to credit exemptions when and if you study the Diploma in future.

Bursaries for in-demand languages

There are a limited number of government bursaries available to assist with tuition fees. The program will award the bursaries with consideration of:

the number of requests compared to the number of bursaries available

the language being spoken widely enough in the community, and a recognised need for interpreters in that language.

You will have the opportunity to participate in work-integrated learning through visits to community and public service organisations and through simulated translation assignments that reflect professional practice. You will be given feedback on your performance in line with industry standards.

Teaching staff are NAATI-certified and bring a wealth of experience, current knowledge and skills into the classes. Through this connection, students are exposed to the most up-to-date translation practice to address the translation needs arising from sectors such as education, business, legal, medical, immigration and community services in Australia and overseas.

RMIT University is committed to providing you with an education that strongly links formal learning with professional or vocational practice.

Demand for qualified interpreters is increasing due to high levels of interaction between people and cultures as a result of globalised economies, immigration and humanitarian reasons. A large number of people also face language barriers due to physical disabilities (such as deafness or impaired hearing) and require language assistance.

Graduates of this program can become qualified NAATI professional translators, subject to meeting accreditation standards in some assessment tasks.

Graduates find employment as freelancers orcontractors to language services agencies,or work in public and private sector organisations such as hospitals, courts, businesses, government departments and agencies.

The qualification awarded for this program is also preferred by many international/multinational organisations and agencies such as NGOs, embassies, private companies and manufacturers.

Endorsement by NAATI is well regarded in the international employment market.

Professional recognition and accreditation

The program is endorsed by NAATI. Graduates will be eligible to sit NAATI certification tests at various levels depending on courses studied in the program.